KODU BALE or CHAGODILU

This is one of the widely known snacks of Karnataka and Andhrapradesh(known as chagodilu), perhaps also popular in other parts of South India. It is fairly easy to prepare, but needs some initial patience and effort. A trial on a week-end is suggested

The process is a little cumbersome, but if you have the patience, it is really worth it.

Ingredients:

• Rice flour-1cup
• Water-1cup
• Roasted gram dal powder(bhuna chana)-1/4cup
• Moong dal-2tbsp
• Sesame seeds-1tsp
• Cumin seeds-1tsp
• Red chilli powder-1tsp
• Ghee/Oil-1tbsp
• Salt-to taste
• Oil-to fry

Soak moong dal in water for an hour.
Heat water in a pan.When it gets to boil,add salt,ghee,moong dal and rice flour.Mix well and switch off flame.
Cover with a lid and let it rest.
When cool,add the remaining ingredients and knead well to form a smooth dough.

Make small balls of it and roll the balls on a plane flat surface one by one to make a long thread like structure.

Roll the thread to a bangle or any desired shape. Keep it aside.

Repeat the procedure for the rest of the balls.

Heat oil on high flame to deep fry.Add a few of the kodu bale and let it raise to the surface.

Now turn the flame to medium high and fry till the oil stops bubbling and the kodubale get a golden colour.
Remove the fried ones on a kitchen towel.Cool

Serve Kodubale with piping hot coffee.Keep Kodubale in a tight lid container for weeks so that it won`t lose its crispiness.